Is lenvatinib chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

medsforcancer

Lenvatinib is classified as a targeted therapy, specifically a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), rather than traditional chemotherapy or immunotherapy. It works by blocking specific proteins involved in the growth of cancer cells and blood vessels that supply tumors, making it distinct from both chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Lenvatinib: Mechanism of Action
Lenvaxen-Lenvatinib (4/10)mg is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor that targets several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3), fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1–FGFR4), platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), RET, and KIT. By inhibiting these pathways, lenvatinib helps prevent angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and tumor proliferation. This mechanism is crucial for slowing the progression of various cancers, including thyroid cancer, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and endometrial carcinoma.

How Lenvatinib Differs from Chemotherapy
Traditional chemotherapy works by attacking rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells. This non-selective mechanism often results in widespread toxicity, leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, and bone marrow suppression. In contrast, lenvatinib specifically targets cancer-associated molecular pathways, reducing the collateral damage to normal cells and generally leading to a different side effect profile.

How Lenvatinib Differs from Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab), stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These drugs typically work by blocking proteins like PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4, which tumors use to evade immune detection. Lenvatinib, however, does not directly affect the immune system. Instead, it acts on signaling pathways that control tumor growth and angiogenesis. However, it is often used in combination with immunotherapy, such as pembrolizumab, to enhance anti-cancer effects.

Clinical Uses of Lenvatinib
Lenvatinib is approved for the treatment of several cancers, including:

Thyroid Cancer: Used in radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Approved as a first-line treatment.
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): Often combined with pembrolizumab for advanced cases.
Endometrial Carcinoma: Combined with pembrolizumab for certain advanced cases.
Side Effects of Lenvatinib
Common side effects include hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and hand-foot syndrome. More severe adverse effects may involve cardiovascular complications, liver toxicity, and gastrointestinal perforation.

Conclusion
Lenvatinib is neither traditional chemotherapy nor immunotherapy but a targeted therapy that inhibits key molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. Its ability to block angiogenesis and tumor cell signaling makes it an effective option in several cancers, often used alone or in combination with immunotherapy for enhanced efficacy.